NASHIK: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI), Nashik and the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Nashik branch have welcomed the new proposed policy of the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), but have asked that the state either continue the existing TDR untilisation limit on small roads with widths below 9m or increase the basic Floor Space Index (FSI) there from the existing 1 to 1.35.

The state has proposed a rise in TDR utilisation limit from the present 0.40 to up to 1.50 on roads with widths above 9m. This would help accommodate the TDR that would be generated due to higher TDR of up to 2.5 in civic limits in the state while acquiring the land from land-affected persons. But the state has removed small roads with a width of below 9m from the ambit of utilisation of TDR there. This means TDR utilisation would not be allowed on small roads with widths 6, 6.5 or even 7 (below 9m). But CREDAI Nashik and IIA Nashik have urged the state to continue the existing TDR utilisation limit on small roads below 9m.

Speaking to TOI, CREDAI Nashik president Jayesh Thakkar said, "Small roads with widths below 9m have been omitted from TDR utilisation facilities as per the new TDR policy proposed by the state. We are of the view that the state should at least continue existing the TDR utilisation limit of 0.40 on small roads. We are still studying the details of the new TDR policy and will file suggestions and objections in this regard thereafter."

He added, "Prima facie, the new TDR policy is good except one or two points and we welcome it. The state has increased the TDR generation limit up to 2.5 from the present 1 TDR. The move will definitely help the civic bodies to acquire the land free of cost and the land-holders will also surrender their land for civic projects due to an attractive TDR. We will soon hold a meeting of CREDAI members on the TDR policy and will decide the issues we have to raise."

President of IIA, Nashik Nilesh Chavan said, "The new TDR policy is really good and will promote vertical development of the city due to rise in TDR utilisation limit. The civic bodies will also get the land free of cost as land-holders will surrender their land for higher TDR. But the state has not applied TDR utilisation on small roads below 9m. Hence, the government should at least increase the basic FSI from the present 1 to 1.35 on small roads. Moreover, norms for parking should me made stricter. Overall, the new TDR policy as proposed by the state has been welcomed by us."

The government has proposed a rise in TDR limit up to 2.5 from the present 1 TDR in residential zones and 0.40 TDR in agricultural zones across the state (excluding Mumbai). The higher 2.5 TDR will be permissible in gaothan (congested areas) areas only, while 2 TDR will be permissible across the municipal corporation limits (in non-congested areas) apart from the gaothan areas, while acquiring the land against TDR. The state government has also proposed close to four times rise in TDR utilisation limit from the present 0.40 to up to 1.50 as per road widths for roads above 9m. Moreover, utilisation of TDR has been linked with the ready reckoner (RR) rates. Suggestions and objections are to be invited from the public on the issue. The final notification will be issued following hearing on these suggestions.